Food Production Unit Control via Mobile Sensor and User Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data collection methods in food handling systems, such as using pen and paper or computers, face challenges in flexibility, data quality, and responsiveness, particularly during inspections and maintenance operations, as they can be cumbersome and inefficient in managing different versions and transferring information digitally.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an operator-carried device that receives and analyzes process data from sensors and user input data, allowing for real-time control and updates to food production units, enhancing data collection efficiency and responsiveness by combining sensor data with user input, and enabling quick updates to settings based on both data types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pen and paper is used for data collection, then flexibility is improved, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electronic copies of forms on mobile devices instead of physical paper forms. The electronic forms can be dynamically generated and updated, providing both the flexibility of customizable data collection and the efficiency of digital data storage and transfer, eliminating the need for manual data entry while maintaining adaptability to changing procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data transcription from paper to computer with automated electronic data capture. The mobile device directly captures and transmits data electronically, substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated electronic system that maintains flexibility through software-configurable forms while dramatically improving transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If computer is used for data collection, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic forms that can be configured and updated in real-time based on changing operational procedures. The electronic forms on mobile devices are not static but can be dynamically generated from templates, allowing the system to adapt to new data collection requirements while maintaining the efficiency of electronic data capture and transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal data collection system where a single mobile device platform can handle multiple types of data collection tasks through configurable forms. The system is designed to be multi-functional, accommodating different inspection types, maintenance operations, and data formats within one flexible electronic framework, eliminating the need for separate systems while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual data transfer from paper to computer is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates manual data transfer by using electronic copies of all forms and data. The mobile device stores and processes data electronically from the outset, creating digital copies that can be immediately transmitted and stored without any manual transcription process, thus maintaining flexibility through electronic configurability while eliminating time loss associated with manual data entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Speed

If operator carried device is used, then responsiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal mobile device platform that performs multiple functions: data collection, form generation, data transmission, and local processing. By using a multi-functional device rather than specialized equipment, the system achieves high responsiveness through integrated capabilities while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems or highly specialized hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12182392B2Method for controlling a food handling system

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

AI summary

A method for controlling a food handling system comprising a number of food production units by using an operator carried device. The method comprising: receiving process data by a server, wherein the process data is extracted from the food handling system, wherein the process data comprises parameter values captured via sensors provided in the food production units, requesting user input data by transmitting a user input data request to the operator carried device, receiving the user input data via the operator carried device, determining control data based on the process data and the user input data, transmitting the control data to the food production units, and updating settings in the food production units based on the control data.